Hyaluronic Acid – Natural Polysaccharide for Moisturization, Joint Health, and Tissue Regeneration
Basic Information
CAS Number: 9004-61-9
Molecular Formula: (C₁₄H₂₁NO₁₁)ₙ
Appearance: White amorphous powder or fibrous mass, odorless
Solubility: Swells and dissolves in water, forming highly viscous solutions; insoluble in most organic solvents
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and direct sunlight
Stability: Sensitive to extreme pH and high temperatures; may degrade in acidic conditions (pH < 3) or during autoclaving
Overview
Hyaluronic acid (also known as hyaluronan) is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan composed of repeating disaccharide units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. It is widely distributed in connective, epithelial, and neural tissues in mammals, where it plays a crucial role in tissue hydration, lubrication, and cellular function. Its unique ability to bind and retain large amounts of water makes it a valuable ingredient in cosmetics, medicine, and tissue engineering.
Applications
Medicine: Used in intra‑articular injections for osteoarthritis, wound healing dressings, ophthalmic solutions (eye drops and gels), and as an adhesion barrier in surgery.
Cosmetics and skincare: Incorporated into moisturizers, serums, face creams, and dermal fillers to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and texture.
Tissue engineering: Serves as a biocompatible scaffold for cell culture and regenerative medicine applications.
Nutraceuticals: Available as a dietary supplement for joint health and skin hydration.
Key Benefits
Exceptional water‑binding capacity – can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
Provides long‑lasting hydration and improves skin elasticity.
Lubricates joints and supports cartilage health.
Biocompatible and biodegradable.
Well‑tolerated with low risk of allergic reactions.
Available in various molecular weights for tailored applications.
Safety and Handling
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in cosmetics and food supplements.
Avoid exposure to strong acids, bases, and high temperatures (>60°C) to prevent degradation.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, dust mask) when handling.
Shelf life: typically 24 months under recommended storage conditions.
Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for purity, molecular weight, and microbial contamination to ensure consistent quality.